Explore the rich history of philology and literary language in India with “INDIA IN THE PERSIAN WORLD OF LETTERS.” This compelling book delves into the socio-political impact of Indo-Persian linguistic traditions, focusing on the influential eighteenth-century scholar Sirāj al-Dīn ‘Alī Khān, Ārzū. Discover how Ārzū’s theories on language challenged colonial narratives and championed “fresh-speaking” in Persian poetry, drawing parallels to European literary debates. Arthur Dudney uncovers how Ārzū advocated for Persian as a cosmopolitan language, free from narrow interpretations. The book also sheds light on the evolution of reḳhtah, the precursor to Urdu, and debunks myths surrounding its adoption. A vital read for scholars and enthusiasts of South Asian literary history and linguistics.